TOGETHER we can do it! That's the message from Bury boss Andy Preece on the eve of the new Nationwide Division Three campaign.

The Shakers kick-off the season at Oxford's impressive new Kassam Stadium tomorrow looking for the good start that Preece believes is crucial if his charges are to mount a promotion challenge.

After a traumatic last few months, that saw the club almost go to the wall, it's a wonder there's a Bury FC to compete in the league at all.

And that's another reason why the Bury chief reckons everyone connected with the Gigg Lane outfit should be looking to the next nine months with optimism.

"It's just fantastic to be able to start the season," he said.

"After everything we've been through everyone, fans, players and officials should be buzzing in anticipation of the first game.

"What's more we can look to the season with a good deal of optimism after the last couple of pre-season matches we played.

"It's not going to be easy, and I'm not going to make any rash predictions about what we are and aren't going to do, but the players we have are capable of going up, there's no doubt about that.

"We desperately need a good start to the season because that can be crucial.

"All the teams that were promoted from Division Three last season were quick out the traps.

"Mansfield had a terrible run midway through the campaign but still went up automatically after making a good start."

Preece reckons his side's pre-season preparations have gone well and believes the final two friendlies, against Manchester City (3-4) and Burnley (1-1) should have given his players plenty of encouragement.

"We've had our ups and downs but we've made steady progress and that's what you are looking for at this stage," he added.

"We finished the Manchester City game strongly and, although we made a lot of changes, looked good against Burnley too.

"We are as ready as we are going to be and the lads can go into the season with confidence - but not over-confident."

Since then Premiership new boys City went on to crush Rochdale 6-0 and Tranmere Rovers 7-1 to underline the manager's point.

Meanwhile the arrivals of Pawel Abbott, on loan from Preston and Liam George, on a three-month contract, have given Preece a bit more leeway as an intimely crop of injuries have stretched his depleted squad.

"We really needed to bring those two lads in," he said.

"Both players did well in the Burnley game and will be good acquisitions to the squad.

"They can help give us a big lift going into the opening games."

Tomorrow's match at Oxford is followed by two home matches. Cambridge visit Gigg this Tuesday (7.45pm) then Swansea - with former Shakers Paul Reid and Matt Murphy - hit town the following Saturday.

"The fans can really help us get off to a flyer," said Preece. "We need to recreate the atmosphere we had at the end of last season when we managed to increase the gates.

"It's a new start to a new season, we should all pull together and aim to make a good fist of promotion."

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HERE WE GO

To underline the problems of relying on a small squad no fewer than five first team players are missing for tomorrow's match leaving the manager's options limited.

Gareth Seddon (back), Ian Lawson (ankle) and Chris Billy (knee) are injured while Dave Nugent sits out the first of a three match suspension.

David Borley is on the mend after his hernia operation but is just short of match fitness and will need one or two more games before coming into contention.

HSTOP PRESS: Shakers fans can buy their new replica shirts from the Gigg Lane Superstore from today (Friday).

On sale from 10am this morning are the new home shirts prices at £40 adults, £30 youths and £25 juniors. However, the new black away shirt is not yet ready.

Also in store will be a full selection of 'teamwear' (training gear) and Bury FC leisurewear.